Todd's 30 Year Reunion

Todd and I recently received an invite to his 30 year reunion from Cass High. We, at first, were a bit skeptical of going. Not particular reason other than being uncomfortable. One night while we were laying in bed, we just decided to go. Todd was Mr. CHS so I felt like he should be there! I am very pleased to say that I am so glad we changed our minds! We had the absolute best time, I actually can't remember the last time we felt so good.

The reunion was held at the Country Club and was filled with all sorts of decorations, gifts and people... tons of people. My favorite detail was the name tags; each name tag had the year, the person's name AND... their senior picture. Quite hilarious! At first, you could tell people were a little standoffish but within about an hour of being there, we were surrounded by the best people. We ate amazing, mouth-watering food (it was to die for). I got the biggest kick out of hearing all the stories like this one guy made a giant paper airplane, lit it on fire and threw it across the room. He didn't even get into trouble and all I could think was, "We would have gotten expelled"!!

There was dancing, jokes, more stories, great people, awesome music, and much more dancing. We even picked up a dinner date with Sandy, Kevin, Robin, Megan and Tim. I did not feel out of place at all. In fact, I felt more comfortable than ever before. Now, I've been wondering if "my reunion" will be this much fun? Todd and I are looking forward to the 35th reunion... It's a CRUISE!(Sandy and Kevin)(Todd and Karen Mercer; Mr. & Mrs. CHS)

Hand Clapping

This is big news for us! =) I am guessing that since Emmry was born six weeks early, it explains a lot for why she doesn't do all of the "normal" things other kids her age are doing. BUT today, she clapped her hands!! She went on and on and on and smiled the entire time while doing so. We haven't had much luck with the hand coordination, so this is BIG! Emmry is also drinking from a sippy cup now. She hasn't figured out how to hold it and drink it but she does drink when I hold it up for her! I am so glad for her, even though she has no idea! Besides, what's "normal" these days anyway?

Nothing New

(Todd says this is me and the exact look I give him sometimes! Ha!)

Yeap, I think the title says it all. =) Not much has really changed in the "Payne Household". Emmry is very close to walking on her own but still not quite there yet and she still isn't drinking from a sippy-cup. I am over the "worried that my child is behind" thing because she will get it in her own time. I will report that ever since Emmry's little virus, she has been a COMPLETE and TOTAL mama's girl; not wanting me to leave her, hanging on my leg in the kitchen, following me to the bathroom. The whole 9 yards. However, I can't complain because I am truly glad to depends on me!

Tomorrow is our 4 year anniversary... not wedding anniversary but 4 years of being together. I look back and wonder, where did the time go? Daddy (Todd) has a very bad stomach virus so I guess we won't be celebrating tomorrow! =( BUT, on a positive note I am about 90% positive that Abby (our yorkie) is pregnant. I am so thrilled for two reasons... #1 I LOVE PUPPIES and #2 Emmry LOVES puppies! Abby has puppies when Emmry was about 6 months old and she adored them. I am just hoping that she won't be as rough with them as she is with Sammy! She is due October 8th... 4 days before my 21st birthday!!

Transitioning...

Now that Emmry is a year old, I have been wanting to start on the transition from being a baby to now growing into a toddler. The transition however is not going well at all. I've been wanting to only use her passy at night time and start to wing her of the bottles! But I have had no success with either! She won't drink from anything but her bottle and she won't drink anything but formula! A few sips of tea from a medicine dropper every once in a while but its all formula for her! The passy ordeal, yeah... I just can't do it. It is such an easy out for when she is upset or angry or just plain fussy! I thought it would be easier once she got a little older... Oh boy, I was W-R-O-N-G!

Emmry's First Birthday Bash (Sorry We're Late)

Yes we are late with the blog entry of Emmry's first birthday. However, I do have a good reason! Miss Emmry had been sick since her birthday party! Thankfully, it was just a virus that we had to let run its course. She is so much better now, back to being a wild-child!

Emmry's party was fantastic... a lot of work and planning but it was well worth it! On Emmry's actual birthday (Friday August 21) we went to eat with the entire family and nowhere suits us best than Mexican food!

Saturday was the big day though. Emmry's party was at Uncle Jeff's and Aunt Kim's neighborhood pool. Thankfully the weather was gorgeous (it had been raining all week). The pool area was covered in HOT PINK and LIME GREEN and even a special banner that Brittany, Chelsea and I made! (Thank you girls) Emm had a big 2 layer "Hair-Bow" cake... a mini "Hair-Bow" cake to match!It was a little too cool to swim but we still made the best of it. She got TONS of gifts; a highchair, a new stroller, toys, shoes, hair-bows, a pink glove and ball, and loads of clothes! She enjoyed opening her presents... so look out Christmas because she is now a pro!
The "playing in the cake" part... it took a few minutes before she actually really got into it. More like 20 minutes. But once she figured out that is was okay to "mess", she was COVERED! I think she had a wonderful time and even though she won't remember it... I WILL! =)

I'd like to thank everyone that attended her FIRST BIRTHDAY! I am glad you guys got to share the special day with us!
Thank You:
Nana-Gayle, PawPaw, Ninnie, PawPaw Daddy, Kyndal, Taylor,Granny-Pat, PawPaw, Lynn, G-G, Breanna, Eric, Chase, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Kim, Cole, Aunt Shannon, Caleb, Luke, Aunt Maymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Auntie Britt, Michael, Chelsea, Allan and Miss Kathy.
We love you all very much!

Our First Fever/Undiagnosed Sickness

Oh how I couldn't wait for Emmry to turn one... I sure didn't realize what was going to come following her first birthday party. She has been so sick since Saturday (her party), that I haven't even had time to post pictures or blog about her first birthday party. Here is what is going on so far with Emmry and her illness:

Saturday afternoon, Emmry didn't seem to be feeling very well... mostly fussy. I figured she had just been worn out from the party and from not having a very good nap. However, that night the fever started. On Sunday, her fever stayed about the same. She was in and out for most of the day. Sunday night the bomb hit us... 103.8 temperature but she had no other symptoms; just a fever and a little congestion in her nose.

First thing Monday morning I rushed her to the doctor. We arrived at 10:00 am and didn't leave until 2:00 in the afternoon. They ran EVERY test on this child. Everything from the flu, ear infection, strep, mono, phenomena, UTI, catheter, blood work, and X-rays... NOTHING! Everything came back normal EXCEPT her white blood cell count. It was very high. Before we left, they gave her a shot of antibiotics, hoping that would help lower the white blood cell count. For the remainder of Monday, Emmry slept a good bit. She did "perk up" once we left the doctors office. But it wasn't for a long time. Once she woke up for her nap, the child was on fire... I am telling you, I could see the heat coming from her body... her temperature was 104.5! And yes, I was freaking out. But she was keeping liquids down and took her medicine. So the doctor just said wait and see what she does.

Emmry ended up falling to sleep on her own around 10:30 Monday night and she was so pitiful. She woke up several times in the middle of the night until I finally picked her up. Something was wrong... her temperature was 104.5... AGAIN! A dose of Motrin, some good home made sweet tea, a cool bath and she was back to bed! I didn't hear a peep from her the rest of the night (yes, I checked on her numerous times).

This morning (Tuesday), we took her back to the doctor at 8:30 and pour Emmry just hates that place. She cried just seeing the doctor. They took her blood again and we waited. (I'm not sure about anyone else, but I hate waiting... I hate waiting for the news and not knowing either it's good or bad.) Her white blood count was exactly the same and I could tell by the look on the doctors face she was worried/shocked. Apparently the shot she gave Emmry the day before hadn't worked. So we did a repeat; she gave her another shot and sent us home. Emmry has slept most of the day (with a continuous fever). She played a little this afternoon but she just isn't the same. Her pour little eyes are so droopy, she is just so give out. Her doctor (Barbara Terry) really thinks she has either A. a virus (that we may never know what it is/was and we have to let it run its course) or B. roseola (its a virus that has a full 72 hour fever of 103-105 and on the forth day, the child breaks out from head to toe in a rash). To me, both options stink. I don't want Emmry to have either!!

We go back to the doctor at 9:00 in the morning. We are HOPING/PRAYING that her white blood count is down. If it isn't... Scottish Rite here we come! I can seriously say this with so much truth... I wish it was me!!! I can't stand this. I hate this and it's just not far! All I can do is hold her, love her and pray but even sometimes... It just doesn't seem like I'm doing enough!

525,600 Minutes With My Darling Emmry

My Sweetest Emmry,
(Tears are pouring from my face at this very moment)
As a child, I imagined having a daughter; imagining you would be this wonderful was beyond my imagination. I can't describe to you how you make me feel other than by saying you are my entire world. I have loved every moment that I have been blessed to have with you. These past twelve months, you have brought laughter, joy, hope, and love into every one's life. You are so remarkable already and full of so much attitude (which I love).
From the start, you have been a Daddy's girl. I love the way you adore him and oh how he loves you. You are two peas in a pod and when he's around, no one else will do. Lately, you have been hanging on my hip though and I must say, I LOVE IT! I love watching you grow. I also love watching you sleep, you are so peaceful and I often wonder what you are dreaming about. You amaze me every day my sweet angel.
This blog is more than just pictures and words; it is memories of the happiest time of my life. These are memories that are locked in my heart forever. I look forward to sharing these special and unforgettable moments with you.
I am blessed to be your mother and honored that God chose you as my daughter. I promise to always love you, care for you, listen to you, guide you, and help you beyond my lifetime.
Emmry, you will always be my miracle. You will always be my baby girl.

Happy First Birthday!

Love,
Mommy